ABSTRACT
Duck virus enteritis, also called duck plague, is an acute and highly contagious disease of ducks, geese, and swans.[2] It is caused by a herpes virus. It occurs worldwide except in Australia. Birds of all ages are susceptible. Muscovy ducks are highly susceptible. Transmission is through ingestion of contaminated feed and water. Sick birds show signs of listlessness, photophobia, and diarrhea. Duck virus enteritis is predominantly a disease of mature birds. Gross lesions include tissue hemorrhages, eruptive lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, and atrophy of lymphoid organs. Although tentative diagnosis can be made from history, signs, and lesions, definitive diagnosis should include virus isolation and identification. Recently, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been developed for a rapid diagnosis. Immunization with a chicken embryo-adapted live virus vaccine (Table 1) has been extensively used for prevention and control. The vaccine is administered to ducks over 2 weeks of age.
